Eel River Soybean-Diesel Co-op Facility Receives OCA Grant

By: Shannon Waldon

     Several months back, Dick and Betty Culler of rural Lewis came up with the idea of a soybean diesel co-op facility in the area and have had the help and support of several local individuals including Bob Morse of Shelburn.
     "We have done a lot of the research and studies on the idea," said Betty Culler, " looking at processing, marketing of oil products, by-products, and the use of extrusion and expulsion." This process will allow for a higher quality product in crude oil, better bean meal for animal feed, and other by-products, important to the operation of the facility.
     Morse has been instrumental in grant writing, and he and the Cullers are working closely with the Office of the Commission of Agriculture (OCA), State Government Officials, USDA Rural Development, and Purdue University with their TAP assistance program.
     They recently received a grant from the Office of the Commission of Agriculture (OCA). 

WTWO-Channel 2 and The News covered the press event which took place in front of the Cullers business, the Clay City Feed and Grain.
     Those attending the grant presentation included Dick Culler, Betty Culler, Bob Morse, Senator John Waterman, State Representative Vern Tincher, Ron Henry, Assistant Vice President with First National Bank and Trust, Sullivan, Clay and Vigo County; Jan Howell, Financial Center Supervisor, First National Bank and Trust; Pat Stewart, J.R. Cooprider, Bob and Jane Kracker and Kathy Altman, Director of Development and Marketing with the OCA.
     Bio-diesel is an oil product from soybeans, a commodity raised by local farmers. This product when blended with diesel in a B-2 blend would make better use of the grain raised locally.

" Farmers would get better performance with the tractors, pick-ups, and semi's which in turn, would help the air quality. " In other words", said Betty, " using our home grain would make us less dependant on foreign products, give us cleaner air, better marketing for our products, and we would have control of how, when, and where our products are used. This is the desire of the American Dream"
     Three informational public meetings are scheduled to gain awareness of local farmers. The dates are September 5, Shelburn Community Building, 7:00 p.m.; September 10, Sullivan Fair Grounds, 7:00 p.m. and September 17, Clay City Orange Building, Goshorn Park, 7:00 p.m. All are welcome to attend.

Article submitted by "THE NEWS"